Plaque, openwork steel surrounded by a frame of six smaller, partial-gilt plaques mounted on a gilded copper plate

“And of his brother, the lion of God, called Ali,” reads the inscription in majestic Thuluth calligraphy over the filigree-like tendrils. The phrase is part of an Arabic poem praising Muhammad, Fatima, and the 12 imams who are revered by the Shiites. The plaque, together with others of different shapes, embellished the door in a Shiite shrine.

In most cases, only the central and most beautifully executed openwork plaques have survived. This piece is quite unique in having preserved both the gilded copper plate and the six pieces riveted to it that made up the frame.